Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé apologised for his "ill-judged" comments about the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong after they sparked criticism on Chinese social media and led several Chinese brands to end partnerships with him.
The controversy began during Mbappé's appearance on the French talk show The Bridge, where he discussed an internet meme showing his face superimposed on an image resembling Mao. The joke portrayed him as a "dictator" due to his influence in football.
Mbappé later acknowledged that his remarks hurt people in China and Chinese communities worldwide, and he apologised to those offended.
Spain’s La Liga also expressed regret over the offence caused to Chinese fans.
The backlash grew after Chinese football forum Dongqiudi condemned the remarks as inappropriate, and some social media users called for a boycott of Mbappé and Real Madrid.
Mao remains a highly sensitive historical figure in China, where the ruling Communist Party reveres him despite the widespread suffering and deaths during his rule.
